Getting Pregnant after a Miscarriage

By Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Q: The first time I tried to conceive, it took me three months to get pregnant. My daughter is now two years old and we're trying for a second child. I had a period which lasted from Sep 9 to Sep 14. Then I had a 21-day cycle with no period, followed by four to six days of bleeding. My menstrual cycles are generally pretty regular. I got pregnant in one month (October 17), but don't know when I ovulated. I miscarried on November 8, and had a D&C on November 20. The doctor told me to wait two weeks and try again. I didn't listen to him (my choice), and started intercourse on Nov 27. Now I have several questions.

How do I know when I ovulate?
How do I know when I get my period?
Are the averages anywhere between 10 - 30 days?
Is it possible to conceive right away?
Is it true that a woman is more fertile after a miscarriage?
I have been taking pregnancy tests every day, they always come up negative. Is it too soon to take a pregnancy test?
When should I take a pregnancy test?

PLEASE, help me and answer my questions, I have no idea where to turn. Thanks,

How do I know when I ovulate? A woman typically ovulates two weeks before her NEXT period.
How do I know when I get my period? You must have bleeding for this. You can say your cycles are 21 days with no bleeding.
What is the average cycle length (10 to 30 days)? Average cycle length is 21 to around 35 days.
Is it possible to conceive right away? Yes, but unlikely, since the hormonal effects of the last pregnancy (miscarriage) are still on board.
Is it true that a woman is more fertile after a miscarriage? Only from a mechanical standpoint-the cervix is open (from the miscarriage), so poses less of a barrier to sperm, mucus, ... etc.
I have been taking pregnancy tests every day. They always come up negative. I have no comment on this.
Is it too soon to take a pregnancy test? Usually the earliest time a test can turn positive is a few days after the time you would have expected your period-about 16-18 days after ovulation.
When should I take a pregnancy test? See answer #7.

I hope this helps you!

Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has been in private practice since 1981 and has served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in greater New Orleans. Dr. DiLeo's new book The Anxious Parents' Guide to Pregnancy is now available.

All articles by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo